BBQ Shrimp & Homemade BBQ Sauce

Grilled shrimp is, of course, fabulous. Add Homemade BBQ Sauce to put these
incredible crustaceans on the culinary map! 

BBQ SAUCE
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp chili powder

1½ tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 cups ketchup

1 cup brown sugar dark

½ cup yellow mustard

½ cup apple cider vinegar

⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce

¼ cup lemon juice

¼ cup steak sauce (A-1)

¼ cup molasses

¼ cup honey

1 tsp hot sauce (Tobasco,
    Franks, etc)

2 tbsp bourbon optional

3 tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion chopped

4 cloves garlic minced

INSTRUCTIONS
Mix chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, steak sauce, molasses, honey, hot sauce, and bourbon (if using). Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté, stirring often, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add chili mixture and stir until the onions are coated. Sauté about 2 minutes.

Carefully pour the ketchup mixture into the skillet and stir to fully combine. Bring to a simmer for 15 minutes and lower heat.

If desired, strain the sauce through a sieve or colander (if you prefer a smoother version; keep if you like rustic sauce). Let cool and  transfer to a vessel with a lid. The sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Note: Although you can use the sauce immediately, it tastes better if you let it sit in the fridge for 24 hours to give the spices and acides time to fully integrate. 

GRILLED SHRIMP
EQUIPMENT
Grill (gas, charcoal, or electric)

4 skewers (if using wood, soak in water for 30 minutes
to avoid them catching fire)

INGREDIENTS
1 lb extra large shrimp, shells removed & deveined
(leave the tail on if desired)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

3 cups BBQ sauce (2 for basting, 1 for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS
Place the cleaned shrimp in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and Creole (or Cajun) seasoning. Stir to fully coat. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Fire up your grill.

Add 5 to 6 shrimp to each skewer.

Baste the shrimp on both sides. Carefully place the shrimp over direct heat on your grill. Grill for about 3 minutes per side, basting each side liberally with more BBQ sauce. The shrimp is done when it is pink and lightly charred. (Be careful not to overcook

Serve at once with reserved BBQ sauce on the side. Keep plenty of napkins or paper towels on hand, as BBQ Shrimp are messy! 

Expert Tip: Apply the shrimp liberally with the BBQ sauce as it is grilling. The heat will cause the sugar in the sauce to caramelize and make an amazing crispness to the shrimp. It’s okay if the tails char a bit, it adds flavor and looks impressive.